Translation commentary on John 11:30

Since this verse interrupts the flow of the narrative, Good News Translation and New American Bible place it as a parenthetical statement. This verse indicates, as mentioned in verse 20, that Martha met Jesus outside the village.

In some languages a subtle but complex problem is involved in the statement Jesus had not yet arrived in the village. A literal translation would suggest that Jesus was moving very slowly, since Martha was able to go out and meet him, return home, and speak to Mary while Jesus was approaching the village. There is no indication of whether Jesus was travelling slowly or remaining somewhere outside the village, but it may be necessary in some languages to say “Jesus had not yet come into the village.” This translation would focus upon Jesus’ location, rather than his rate of travel.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 11:30

11:30a

Now: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now here introduces some background information. In this context it is not a time word. The NET Bible Bible and Good News Translation place all of 11:30 in parentheses. You should indicate that this is background information in a way that is natural in your language.

Jesus had not yet entered the village: This clause indicates that Jesus had not already arrived in Bethany, the home of Martha and Mary. He was probably just outside the village. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

He was still outside the village (Contemporary English Version)

11:30b

but: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but here connects a negative statement (11:30a) to a positive statement (11:30b). This kind of sentence emphasizes the positive statement. Languages have different ways to indicate this type of emphasis. Here are some ways to show the emphasis:

• Use the conjunction but as in the Berean Standard Bible.

• Use a conjunction other than but. This is a common way in English to show this type of emphasis. For example:

Jesus had not yet entered the village; instead he was still where Martha had met him.

• Do not use a conjunction. For example:

Jesus had not yet arrived in the village. He was still where Martha met him.

• Change the order of the clauses. For example:

Jesus was still where Martha had met him and had not yet entered the village.

You should translate this emphasis in the way that is most natural in your language.

was still at the place where Martha had met Him: Jesus had stayed at the place where Martha met him in 11:20.

General Comment on 11:30a–b

In some languages it may be natural to translate 11:30a as a positive statement. 11:30b will then continue the idea rather than offer a contrast to it. For example:

He was still outside the village where Martha had gone to meet him. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. (New Living Translation (2004))

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